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How is it performed? of Chiropractic
The chiropractor should first take a complete case history, including past medical history and any lifestyle factors (such as type of work or exercise) that might be affecting the patient’s problem.
The examination will differ slightly depending on the individual practitioner and the particular problem. Usually it will include:
- testing the posture and the way the patient sits and moves
- using touch and observation to assess the way your spine, joints and muscles work as the patient is moved through a range of positions
- examining the area of the problem great detail
- joint reflexes, heart rate and blood pressure may also be checked
- X-rays will be taken, if it is clinically justified.
When a joint is out of position (misaligned) or twisted, it is called a subluxation. For example, when a bony joint in the spine, called a vertebra, is out of place, it is called a vertebral subluxation. The chiropractor will home in on the subluxation during treatment.
Deep massage-like techniques and repeated rocking or stretching movements are often used in order to relax tight muscles. If it is appropriate to the condition, a vigorous (energetic) massage may be performed. This step makes the joints less stiff and easier to manipulate.
Manipulation moves the joints slightly further than patients would be able to, by themselves. High-velocity direct thrusts are fast but controlled movements that suddenly stretch problem joints. This sometimes causes a painless popping sensation – this noise is not caused by bones grating against one another, but by a movement of the fluid that surrounds the joints.
It is not uncommon to feel mild discomfort and stiffness the day after treatment. Tiredness, nausea or headaches may also be experienced. The patient may be advised to drink lots of water in order to help flush out the toxins released by the treatment.
The initial appointment usually takes 30-60 minutes; follow-up appointments are about half as long. The number of treatments will depend on the problem and the practitioner's approach. For an acute low-back pain, for instance, two or three 15-30-minute sessions in the first week to ten days would be average.
Most chiropractors will also recommend particular exercises to do at home, and may also give tips for preventing the problem from reoccurring, such as adjustments to working environment or sports activities.
